Minutes to a Healthier You . . .

No matter what I have planned for my day, a long run, gardening, blogging, I like to begin by stretching out my back, which bears the brunt of all those activities. Arching and rounding my spine warms up my back, preparing me for whatever comes my way. The best thing about this combination of yoga poses is that you can do them in bed. Here's how:

Begin on all fours with your knees directly under your hips and your hands directly under your shoulders. If you have wrist issues, make a fist and place your knuckles on the bed and be sure to keep your wrists straight.

Inhale and take a slow count of three to arch your back, bringing your belly closer to your sheets and looking up toward the ceiling. This move is known as the cow.

Exhale, pull the abs toward your spine and slowly round your back, lowering your head and bringing your spine towards the ceiling. This move is called the cat.

Repeat this two move cycle a total of five times. Then reach your pelvis back toward your heels and lower your torso onto your thighs coming into child's pose.

Tap into your animal side first thing in the morning to start your day off on the right paw foot.